Facebook to beam free internet to Africa via satellite
Facebook has made it clear that satellites will play a big role in delivering its free internet initiative to people across the globe, but talk of a rollout has been pretty limited. That changed today after the company announced it’s teamed up with French communications specialist Eutelsat to beam connectivity to more than 14 countries in the most densely populated parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Facebook and Eutelsat will work with Israeli company Spacecom to utilize the “entire broadband payload” on the AMOS-6 satellite, which is slated to launch later this year. Interestingly, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which applied to the FCC to launch its own downlink broadband satellites in June, will escort AMOS-6 to orbit using its Falcon 9 rocket.
The Internet.org project has come under fire in recent months over neutrality and transparency, especially in India. Although it’s now reaching hundreds of millions of people, the company been accused of pushing its services and controlling what they can access. To help distinguish its app from the wider Internet.org initiative, Facebook rebranded the app as “Free Basics by Facebook” and added 60 new services from developers who had signed up to the project.
Facebook hopes to begin transmissions by the second half of 2016, connecting those who are out of reach of fixed and mobile networks. However, that’s not all it has planned. It’s also building Aquila, a 140-foot solar-powered unmanned plane that can deliver internet from 60,000 to 90,000 feet. The company will test the UAV later this year but there’s no word on when (or if) it will be fully deployed.
Source: Eutelsat
Robotic bees outdo their organic rivals by swimming
Harvard’s Robobees are already pretty adroit for paper-clip sized drones; they fly around stably in calm air and hover like real bees (if real bees were tethered to power). Researchers have given them a new talent that even the insects don’t have — the ability to “fly” underwater. To do so, they make like ducks and transition from flight to swimming by crashing into the water, sinking a bit, then flapping their wings at a slower pace (9 Hz) than in the air (120 Hz) . That’s already a feat that few drones can match, but the aim is to eventually build autonomous bots that could do search and rescue and other beneficial activities.
The team performed the feat sans any hardware modifications, though there are a few caveats. As mentioned, there still aren’t tiny batteries powerful enough to let the bees soar on their own power (yet). That’s because the smaller a drone is, the less flight endurance it generally has — and at 100-milligrams (0.004 oz) Harvard’s Robobees are pretty small. Also, the team needed to lubricate the wings, otherwise it’s too light to break the surface tension and transition to swimming. The drone also needs extra energy to break free of the water, and flies badly for the first few moments afterwards due to water on the wings.
Harvard’s scientists still need to sort those issues and others that don’t phase real bees, like flying in a stiff wind. Once that happens, however, there will be no place that’s safe from them on land or sea.
Source: IEEE Spectrum
Android and iOS users get sized up with PornHub statistics [SFW]
With the launch of the new iPhone series, the good guys at PornHub decided to mash some stats together regarding how mobile users entertain themselves. Both Apple and Android users were studied to put together some nice-looking infographics.
In the last five years, mobile usage has rocketed to 63% of the total traffic to the site, as compared to a mere 12% in 2010. This aligns perfectly with how much tablet and smartphone usage has increased globally. In addition, Android has the slight advantage with the number of visitors, coming in with a decent 32% of traffic, just a bit more than iOS’s 31%. This leaves other OS users with 37% of the share (including desktop) , representing a nicely rounded distribution between platforms.
If you leave desktop viewers out, however, Android and iOS leave just 6% left for other operating systems. This either means Windows and FireOS based-phones are just really a small percentage of the population, or they prefer the big screen experience.
It also appears that Android users have more time on their hands. At least, in the hand that they’re not using. Clocking in at an average of 10 min and 06 seconds, they spend more time surfing the site when compared to iOS at an average of 8 min and 40 seconds. This also generally means that Android explorers viewed more content to satisfy their wants.
This is where it begins to get interesting. iOS viewers prefer more traditional-type content, using tried and tested methods to reach their goal. Android, on the other hand, tends to view more taboo categories that also reflect more modern content.
It is also noticeable how the demographics play out; with Android users making up the majority of developing countries and how some of their searches correspond with this.
Last but not least, is the age categories. The youth easily makes up the majority here, with 18 – 24 year olds bringing in 36.3% of total traffic.
The difference between each generation is certainly noticeable. Thanks to the cream pie chart, the step down between the age groups is easily visible, and goes down consistently until those that are 65 years and older make up a mere 2.2%. Turns out that granny in your local area might just be a rare deal.
The post Android and iOS users get sized up with PornHub statistics [SFW] appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Viber for Android updated with public group chats, 7,000 character limit & more!
Earlier today, mobile messaging platform Viber took delivery of a rather nifty update via the Play Store. In terms of added functionality, the upgrade carries the facility for user to like individual messages, join public group chats and send text up to 7,000 characters long.
The full changelog can be seen below:
- Group Likes – ‘like’ messages in group chats and see who’s loving your vibe
- Forward Public Chat messages – share content with your friends more easily
- Write freely – text messages can now be up to 7,000 characters long
- Better video messaging – new features improve the experience
- Public Chats – now available on Android
To install the update, simply open up the Play Store, toggle the hamburger menu by swiping in from the left-hand side of the screen, select ‘My Apps’ and click on ‘Viber, then hit the update button.
Come comment on this article: Viber for Android updated with public group chats, 7,000 character limit & more!
Soon you’ll be able to remap your Xbox One controller’s buttons
Xbox One users will be able to transplant one button’s function to another — without having to stump up money for a fancy new Elite controller. While that controller costs $150 (with other reasons that might warrant a purchase), Mike Ybarra, Microsoft’s Director of Program Management, replied to a user to announce that new config options will come to all controllers soon — something that is already possible on the PS4’s standard peripheral. We’d wager that the settings will coming alongside that tasty Xbox 360 backwards compatibility feature, coming this November.
Via: Polygon
Source: Twitter
Verizon starts pushing out Lollipop OTA for the Galaxy Core Prime
Verizon is now rolling out the long-awaited Lollipop update to all its carrier-branded variants of the Galaxy Core Prime located in the United States. In addition to bringing the latest version of the open-source operating system to the handset, this upgrade also transports a patch for the Stagefright security vulnerability, too.
Hit the break for the full changelog.
- Material Design: You will quickly notice a whole new colorful look and feel to your device – from fluid animations to new application and system themes, colors and widgets.
- Notifications UI & Priorities: In order to alert you to the mosttimely and relevant information, the format and behavior of notifications have evolved:
- notifications will appear on the lock screen and are intelligently ranked by type and who sent them.
- you double-tap to open one, swipe left or right to clear one, or clear all notifications from the bottom of the list.
- you can set the priority and privacy of notifications for each application.
- very high priority notifications will pop up briefly over other applications so that you can take action.
- when you dismiss a notification on one device it will be dismissed on your other Android devices, if they are connected to the Internet.
- you can further tailor how notifications behave with the new Downtime and Ambient Display settings (see below).
- New Interruptions & Downtime Settings: You can tailor how interruptions behave, choosing to allow all, none, or only priority interruptions. You can personalize what counts as a priority interruption (reminders, events, calls, messages) and even tailor them to be from only contacts you specify. The Downtime setting will allow only priority interruptions during the times and days that you specify. e.g. allow only priority interruptions on the weekend.
- Recent Apps (Multi-tasking): The redesigned Overview space (formerly called Recents) will include both applications and separate activities within those applications. For instance, each open tab in Chrome will also appear here along with recent applications; both your Gmail Inbox and a draft email message will appear as separate cards. This provides a consistent way to switch amongst tasks.
- Flashlight: Lollipop includes a new flashlight option as part of Quick settings (swipe down with two fingers from the status bar to see it).
- Pin a view/app: Screen pinning allows you to keep a specific app or screen in view. For example, you can ‘pin’ a game and your child will not be able to navigate anywhere else on your phone.
- Battery: The Battery settings panel now shows an estimated projection for how much time you have left while discharging or charging. You can also enable a new battery saver mode that will save power by reducing performance and most background data operations to extend your battery life.
- Smarter Internet Connections: With Android Lollipop, your phone will not connect to a Wi-Fi access point unless there is a verified Internet connection. This feature improves hand-offs between Wi-Fi and cellular connections, helping to maintain your video chat or voice-over-IP (VoIP) call as you switch.
- Performance: Your phone now uses the new Android Runtime to help optimize application performance. After upgrading to Lollipop, your applications will undergo a one-time optimization process. Note that the optimization for ART requires more space.
- Security: Encryption can now use a stronger 256-bit key to help protect your data. Note that the stronger key willonly be used after you perform a factory reset on Android Lollipop. Otherwise encryption will continue to use 128-bit key. You can turn on encryption in the Security settings menu.
As is the norm, the update is being pushed out in stages. To see if it’s ready for your device head into Settings, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”.
Source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: Verizon starts pushing out Lollipop OTA for the Galaxy Core Prime
Want a cheap smartwatch? Check out these deals from Gearbest.com.
Is the new Moto 360 or the Huawei Android watch out of your budget? $300-$700 is a ton of money to spend on an accessory that will be upgraded in just a year. Check out these alternatives from gearbest.com and decide for yourself if a smartwatch fits in your lifestyle. You may not need to spend all of that money for a high-quality smartwatch. Free shipping is included on every watch.
NO.1 S3 Smartwatch Phone – $59.99
Link
Main Features:
Dialer / Bluetooth phone call( Bluetooth 4.0)
You can dial or answer a phone call from your wrist watch
Phone book / call log / message/ music sync function
Easily realize information synchronization with your universal smart phone, more convenient to users
Circular Nano-glass touch screen
Nano-glass screen, very hard and anti-scratch, the combination of high quality and fashion
Heart Rate Monitor
The watch can monitor your heart rate; you can know your heart rate from the display during sport time when you wear it
Remote capture
You can use your watch to control your phone’s camera, but assure your phone’s camera has been switched on in advance
Music playing
Enjoy splendid music anywhere and anytime
Anti-lost alarm
Watch seek phone, and phone seek watch
Sleep monitoring
Carefully monitor your sleep quality
Pedometer
Sedentary reminder
Develop scientific habits and effectively resist sub-health
Other functions
Sound recorder/ alarm / calender / calculator / stop watch
Natural leather strap
Anti-sweat matte surface treatment, ergonomic convex design, wearing more comfortable
Metal plating frame
Strong and durable, luxury and elegant
Pin buckle design
Classic stainless steel pin buckle, Convenient to wear and take off
Water-resistance: Protect your Smartwatch from the water from daily life
Synchronization:Support for Android and iOS
ZGPAX S29 Smart Watch Phone – $26.99
Link
ZGPAX S29 Smart Watch Phone
ZGPAX S29 GSM Smart Watch Phone with 1.54 inch Touch Screen Bluetooth Camera MP3 FM
Main Features:
Model Number: ZGPAX S29
Sim Card: Single Micro SIM Card single Standby
Service Provide Unlocked
Waist size: min 17.5cm, max 23cm
Total strap length: 25cm
Style: Watch style
Shell Material: Silicon + plastic
Resolution: 240 x 240 pixels
Display Size: 1.54 Inch
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth V3.0
Type: TFT, Resistive touch screen
Note: This phone will only work with GSM networks: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
K8 Android 4.2 3G Smart Watch Phone – $89.99
Link
Main Features:
CPU: MTK6572 Dual Core 1.0GHz
RAM+ROM: 512MB+4GB
Bluetooth version: Bluetooth V2.3
Display: 320*320 pixels
Camera: 2.0MP
Support MP3/MP4/GPS/WiFi/3G Function
Compatibility：Compatible with Android smart phones
Notes: Provide E-file English manual
Note: This phone will only work with GSM+WCDMA networks: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz WCDMA 850/2100MHz
Cores: 1GHz, Dual Core, Cortex-A7
GPU: Mali-400 MP
RAM: 512MB
ROM: 4GB
K8 3G Android Smartwatch Phone – $130.92
Link
Main Feature：
Dispaly: 1.4 inch OLED (400×400) Screen
CPU: MTK6572 Dual Core 1.0GHz
GPU: Mali-400MP
System: Android 4.4
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
RAM+ROM: 512MB (471.89MB available) + 4GB (3.59GB available)
Network:
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
WCDMA: 850/2100MHz
1.4 inch OLED Round Dial touch screen
Best suitable screen size with high definition picture displaying gives you great experience
Heart Rate Monitor
The watch can monitor your heart rate; you can know your heart rate from the display during
Music playing
Enjoy splendid music anywhere and anytime
Pedometer
Record the steps you take and count the distance to make you fully control your sports
Genuine leather strap band
Adopts high quality leather material which is super soft,durable and comfortable to wear
Pin buckle design
Classic stainless steel pin buckle, Convenient to wear and take off
Resolution: 400 x 400 pixel
D12 Children GPS Smartwatch Phone with SOS GPS – $41.34
Link
Main Features:
GPS+ Base Station Dual Mode Positioning
SOS Emergency Button: One button SOS, dial automatically
Safe Area: GEO-fencing, smart alarm
Message Reminder: Low-power alarm, drop-off alarm
History track: Save the historical track for last 3 months
Two-way Communication
Size: 50 x 35 x 9mm (screen size)
Family Call, One Button for Help
When meet emergency, children can press
Mom / Dad button, GPS watch will call family number
directly, parents will know the current situation in time
No Disturbing Setting
You may customize your time at which you don’t want to be disturbed
Class time, no disturbing!
Watch charging
Very easy to charge your watch, with magnetic button, automatically connected
Dismantle Alarm
After wearing the watch over 3 minutes, when unpack the strap,
the APP will receive the dismantling alarm information. This function also can be closed when you don’t want to wear the watch
Finding watch
Find the watch position anytime and anywhere
Other Functions
Real time talk-back, let you get your children status
Health function, sleeping monitoring
History route playback
Alarm, three clocks can be set
Notice: This watch is compatible with iOS and Android system, please download APP before using,
The post Want a cheap smartwatch? Check out these deals from Gearbest.com. appeared first on AndroidGuys.
YouTube Kids for Android updated with support for Chromecast
Google has just updated its official YouTube Kids application on the Play Store. This upgrade doesn’t bear much in the way of new core features, but it does bring compatibility for Chromecast, as well as a multitude of much-needed bug fixes and stability improvements.
To install the update, simply open up the Play Store on your device, toggle the hamburger menu by swiping in from the left-hand side of the screen, select ‘My Apps’ and click on ‘YouTube Kids’. Next, hit the update button, and the application will instantly start to download and install the upgrade from the Google Play servers.
Come comment on this article: YouTube Kids for Android updated with support for Chromecast
Watch code and projections bring a paper sculpture to life
Paper art doesn’t have to be flat and lifeless… just ask Aristides Garcia. The artist recently created an interactive sculpture, Tesela, that uses a combination of 3D projection mapping and tesselation algorithms to cast real-time, viewer-influenced patterns over 103 paper pyramids. The effect is a bit hypnotic, as you’ll see below — it’s as if the paper has suddenly become a living landscape. You sadly can’t see this in person at the moment (Garcia debuted it at a Berlin exhibit in August), but it still shows that the right technology can liven up just about anything, even if it’s made from dead trees.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/141097553?byline=0&portrait=0
Via: The Creators Project
Source: Aristides Garcia
Lumsing Grand A1 compact 13400mAh portable power bank
There are literally hundreds of portable batteries available at Amazon.com and they all serve the same purpose – to charge you portable devices. They come in all shapes and sizes and picking the right one for your needs can be downright confusing. I have a great portable battery to tell you about that should fit just about all of your portable charging needs. The Lumsing Grand A1 compact 13400mAh portable power bank has been in my laptop bag and recently went to San Francisco to attend the Google Nexus press event and kept me going strong.
Lumsing Grand A1 compact portable battery design
For a battery of 13400mAh, you should expect a large sized battery that will make itself noticable in your pocket, at least, from my experience. The Lumsing Grand A1 actually was about 40% smaller than other batteries of identical charging capacity giving this charger a favorable start in this review. Form factor is one of the most important features in a design as you don’t want something bigger than it should be when it comes to portability.
The Grand A1 came encased in a sleek and sturdy black aluminum frame with accents of bright orange plastic to give the battery a distinct and premium look. The orange definitely helped it stand out in my bag making it easy to find. I prefer aluminum for accessories as it can take more abuse, is less prone to fingerprints, and looks and feels better than plastic.
Like many other high-quality designed batteries, the Lumsing Grand A1 also comes with an LED flashlight built-in for times when you need to find something in your bag or purse. There are also two USB out ports for charging two devices at the same time.
Beyond the hardware, the battery comes with smart technology to maximize the charging speed of whatever device you decide to connect to it. It’s all too common these days to have devices with different charging requirements, but Lumsing will figure it out for you. Overall, this battery is as plug and play as it gets. To charge the battery, you just need a standard phone charger and you can use the same microUSB cable you use to charge your phone to charge the battery.
Usage
Like I mentioned earlier, this battery made the trip to the Google press event in San Francisco. Sure there were power outlets available, but I didn’t want to be stuck to a wall charging my Note 5. I took 300 pictures that day, spent hours on my messenger talking with the writers at Androidguys, and I started the day with 20% power since I forgot to charge my phone the night before. The Lumsing Grand A1 more than lived up to my expectations while it kept me going strong during the event.
Considering my Note 5 battery is only 1/4 of the capacity of the power bank, I was left with 75% power which easily powered me through my trip back to San Diego.
Specs
| Weight | 9.24 ounces |
| Size | 98mm*79mm*21mm±0.5mm |
| Capacity | 13400mAh |
| Input | DC 4.8V~DC5.5V |
| Output | DC 4.7V~DC5.1V |
| Product Warranty | 18-month warranty |
Summary
Overall this battery from Lumsing is a great purchase if you need portable power. The build-quality is top notch and is matched with a great price.
If you need a battery now, this is the battery to get especially with free shipping from Amazon.com. It also comes in other colors to match your latest devices.
The post Lumsing Grand A1 compact 13400mAh portable power bank appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 